Greeting to all and sundry,I'm writing to you from Girona, Catalonia, Spain where our city council with no public consultation has undertaken steps to twin with Nashville, Tennessee as part of their (i.e. Nashville's) "Sister Cities" programme. When word of this got out, a number of objections were raised among them the (lack of) teaching of evolution in Tennessee schools. We are hoping to exert enough pressure so that the city council reverses itself and rejects the twinning proposal - the initiative did come from Nashville and not from us. Note that antievolution is only one of many issues in this debate but it is an important one. (see below). If I were living in Nashville and word came out that this proposal was rejected by our "twin" because of (among other things) Tennessee's approach to science teaching I would be thrilled; but this is just my opinion. I would appreciate hearing anyone's views on the matter but most particularly scientists from Tennessee and especially from Nashville.For those interested here's a link to an article that appeared today (Saturday) in our local paper, Diari de Girona. It's in Catalan but if you have some French you ought to be able get the gist of it. If there's any strong desire for it, I can translate it into English.Thanks for listening and thanks in advance for any advice, comments, criticisms, etc.Jonathan Kayehttp://www.diaridegirona.es/seccion....ccion=2

Thanks Wesley,According to the Thomas B. Fordham report on science education and teaching of evolution, Tennessee rated a 2 (out of 100). Only Kansas fared worse. The report is about 4 years old so, perhaps things have improved greatly there?

Textbook disclaimer proposed in Shelby CountyA member of the board of education of the Shelby County Schools has proposed a textbook disclaimer sticker for biology books used in the district. Shelby County surrounds the city of Memphis. According to news reports from the Associated Press and the Memphis Commercial Appeal, board member Wyatt Bunker made the suggestion at the February 15 board meeting. The proposed text of the sticker reads

''This textbook contains material on scientific theories about creation. There are many scientific and religious theories about the nature and diversity of living things. All theories should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered.''

The school board reportedly deferred any action, with several members questioning whether a disclaimer was necessary and whether it might trigger an expensive court battle. Mr. Bunker was quoted by the Commercial Appeal as saying that he is "concerned that students are being taught only scientific theories such as evolution and the Big Bang." He also told the newspaper that "several board members have been dismayed that no state-approved texts teach the religious creationism approach along with scientific theories."

February 21, 2005

--------------If I fly the coop some timeAnd take nothing but a gripWith the few good books that really countIt's a necessary trip

I'll be gone with the girl in the gold silk jacketThe girl with the pearl-driller's hands